Doncaster Knights: ‘A massive cull was needed’ - Griffiths

Director of rugby Clive Griffiths says Doncaster Knights’ steady progress has come from ‘weeding out’ players who did not have the club’s ethos at heart.

Knights currently sit third in the Championship after winning five of their opening eight league games.

Griffiths was unable to save the Knights from relegation after returning to Castle Park in November 2012 but he has since guided the club to the National One title and a ninth-place finish in the Championship.

The Welshman says a clear recruitment strategy has been key to Doncaster’s progress - and he is not finished yet.

“I know what the situation was like when I walked back in through the door three years ago,” said Griffiths.

“The club was bottom of the Championship and I looked at the group of players we had and it didn’t represent Doncaster in my opinion.

“A massive cull was needed to rebuild in National One and then to hold on to our Championship status last season.

“I know (some) people expected instant success but I’m not a magician.

“It took a long time to weed out players I didn’t think had the Doncaster ethos at heart.

“We put a game-plan together and we started to build a team bit by bit.

“We’re definitely heading in the right direction but the jigsaw still isn’t complete and we still need a few more pieces.”